Prevent collisions with these key safety features

Here’s a roundup of the high-tech vehicle safety features that can help you avoid an accident when you slip behind the wheel of your next car.

1. Forward-collision warning (FCW)

This system uses sensors such as cameras and radar to scan ahead and alert you if there’s a risk of a crash. A visual or audio warning gives you time to brake, change lanes and/or reduce your speed.

2. Automatic emergency braking (AEB)

AEB alerts you if it detects a pedestrian or an object that you’re likely to hit. If you don’t brake in time, the system automatically applies the brakes to help you avoid a collision or at least reduce the collision speed.

3. Brake assist

If you need to make an emergency stop, brake assist can help. It works with your anti-lock braking system (ABS) to brake as effectively as possible without locking up the wheels.

4. Blind-spot warning (BSW)

BSW systems alert you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, using sensors that monitor the sides and rear of the vehicle. If you try to change lanes, you may get an extra warning like a steering wheel vibration. Some systems will even brake or steer the vehicle back into its the lane.

5. Rear cross-traffic warning

This function can be helpful when you’re backing out of a parking space or driveway. It alerts you if there are vehicles you might collide with.

6. Rear automatic emergency braking (AEB)

Rear AEB goes one step further and applies the brakes automatically so you avoid backing into an obstacle.

7. Lane-departure warning (LDW)

LDW alerts you with a chime, blink or vibration if you leave your lane without using a turn signal.

8. Lane-keeping assist (LKA) or lane-centering assist

This technology uses road markings to try to keep you in your lane. Depending on the vehicle features, it will brake or steer you back into your lane. It’s worth noting that the system won’t work as well on snow-covered roads.

9. Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

ACC uses a combination of sensors to keep you at a safe distance from the car in front. Currently the closest thing to a self-driving car, some ACC systems will even bring the car to a complete stop and automatically resume the set speed when traffic gets going again. ACC works in conjunction with the Lane Keeping Assist to keep your car in its lane.

10. Advanced backup camera

Although backup cameras are now standard equipment in passenger vehicles, advanced backup camera systems offer a 360-degree panoramic view for even better visibility when you’re backing up.

11. Active head restraints

In a rear impact, this feature automatically moves your head restraints up and forward to absorb the impact to your head, reducing the chances of whiplash.

Although buckling your seatbelt is still the best way to protect yourself on the road, today’s advanced car safety features are making great strides in reducing accidents and loss of life. In addition, vehicles equipped with collision-prevention technologies are less likely to crash, which means you may qualify for reduced insurance premiums. No matter which features you choose, make sure you understand your car’s vehicle safety systems. It could save your life! 

For more on this topic, visit:

High Tech Vehicle Safety Systems

Common Vehicle Safety Features

10 Trends in Smart Technology for Cars